Which symptom indicates someone is choking?

The symptom indicating that someone is choking is an inability to breathe. Choking occurs when an object, usually food, becomes lodged in the airway, obstructing airflow. When a person cannot breathe, it signifies that their airway is blocked, leading to a critical emergency requiring immediate action, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver or back blows.

While other symptoms like a pale complexion may suggest distress or a lack of oxygen, they do not specifically indicate choking as clearly as an inability to breathe does. Continuous coughing can occur in cases where the airway is only partially obstructed, allowing for some airflow, and being able to speak normally indicates that the airway is not blocked. Thus, the inability to breathe stands out as a definitive sign of choking and highlights the urgency of the situation.